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| Buddhism Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists generally accept the Buddhist sacred writings, the Tripitaka or the Three Baskets. They trace the authority of the writing back to the Buddha. |
| Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists generally accept the Buddhist sacred writings, the Tripitaka or the Three Baskets. They trace the authority of the writing back to the Buddha. Concerns were being raised after the death of the Buddha that his original discourses were being corrupted and changed because it would appear that nothing was written down. A council of 500 monks was called in Rajgir where Ananda, a close confidant of the Buddha recalled all the teaching and if all the monks agreed that they were a true account then the whole assembly repeated them. Then another close follower of the Buddha, Upali, recited the rules of the spiritual brotherhood of Buddhist monks or the Sangha. These too were agreed and both became the first of the two 'baskets'.
The pattern of the Tripitaka is that the first 'basket' or Vinaya-pitaka contains the codes of conduct for those living in a monastic environment. The second 'basket' or Sutta-pitaka contains the teachings of the Buddha while the third 'basket' contains a collection of doctrines (teachings) of the Buddha. These books contain some of the most famous and influential teachings on the Noble Truths and Eightfold Path. The Tripitaka is central to Buddhist devotions and is a constant source of meditation. Buddhist devotions are personal rather than communal. There is a custom for young men in particular to spend some time in a monastery where they will become familiar with the Tripitaka. When together monks will chant the scriptures or hear it being read aloud during community meals but on a personal level individual Buddhists will meditate upon the teachings contained within the Tripitaka or discuss its meaning with a monk. |
